CHILIS IS LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD LIBRARIANS!

A Message for Children's Librarians and Library Directors: Please Get Involved!!

One of the best ways for a librarian to grow as a professional and bring new ideas back to the library is to get involved in statewide organizations and committees. CHILIS (Children's Librarians of New Hampshire) is an especially active and productive group. This organization holds two conferences each year, each of which is attended by 125-160 children's librarians in the state. Last year's conferences presented programs on early literacy, programs for boys, and book discussion groups as well as a showcase of children's performers. CHILIS also sponsors the Great Stone Face Award given annually to an author whose book receives the most votes from students in grades 4 through 6 throughout the state. For this year's award, 5,455 kids voted for their favorite title. And finally, a committee of CHILIS members puts together an annual statewide summer reading program, with artwork by a New Hampshire illustrator. Nearly 13,000 children participate in this program and make public libraries vibrant places each summer. New Hampshire children's librarians - as well as their libraries and patrons - reap wonderful rewards from all of the different activities sponsored by CHILIS.

CHILIS needs more active participants to help with its work. Without some "new blood," CHILIS will not be able to continue to do the wonderful things people have come to expect. The Summer Reading Program Committee has several vacancies, as does the CHILIS Board. So, if you can host or work on a conference, want to help plan the Summer Reading Program, or would like to join the CHILIS Board, please volunteer. You can reach CHILIS by contacting one of the Board members listed on the CHILIS website at www.chilisnh.org.

If you are a library director, please encourage and support your children's librarian's involvement in key positions within CHILIS. Participation in this organization helps librarians learn about new practices, raises their morale, and helps them build a network for sharing resources and ideas. Having a strong network of children's librarians in the state helps every library deliver better services to the local children, parents, and other caregivers. Director support makes all the difference!